Stacking box or tray



Patented Jan. 8, 1,952

2,581,613 STACKING BOX R TRAY Fred J. Ullrich, Kalamazoo, Mich., assignor to Lee A. Fordon, Detroit, Mich.

Application October 3, 1946, Serial No. 700,968

i 4 Claims. l This invention relates to improvements lin stacking box or tray.

The main objects of this invention are: First, to provide a stacking box or tray formed l'mainly of wire which is strong and rigid and capable of carrying superimposed loads even when formed of relatively light stock.

Second, to provide a stacking box or tray which is desirable for use for a wide range of purposes. Objects relatingto details and economies of the invention will be apparent from the description to follow. The invention is defined in the claims.

A structure which embodies the features of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective `view of a box or tray embodying my invention with the stacking bails in erected position.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view of vertical section of stacked trays embodying my invention.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view illustrating certain features of the structure.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a modified form or embodiment of my invention in which the open work or grid type of bottom and walls are formed of interwoven wires.

The preferred form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive comprises wall slats I of wire disposed in spaced relation and having their upper ends outwardly offset at 2. The lower ends of opposed pairs of slats are connected by bottom slats 3, the bottom slats being disposed in cross relation and welded together at their crossing points, the welding not being illustrated.

The sheet metal rim members 4 are of downwardly facing channel section and have rounded web portions 5 constituting the edge or rim of the structure. The flanges 6 of the rim mem.- bers closely embrace outwardly offset ends of the wall slats and are welded thereto at 'I so that the rim members become integrally connected to the wall slats, each slat being welded to the rim members. The offset of the wall slats is preferably such that the inner faces or sides of the rim members are fiush with the inner sides of the slats. This permits the boxes or trays being quite compactly nested.

The inner flanges 6 of the rim members are integrally connected at the corners as shown at 8, Fig. 3, so that the walls are connected and cannot spread or swing outwardly. The ends of opposed pairs of rim members are adapted to serve as pintle sockets or bearing members 9,

2 M 4 this being accomplished merely by cutting Voir the upper ends of certain of the slats as indicated at III in Fig. 2. The stacking bails II are 'provided with arms I2 terminating in inturned pintles I3 engaging these sockets or bearing members. y

The longitudinal ridges I4 of the bailsV are downwardly offset so that the bottom of a superimposed box is below the top of the lower box as is shown in Fig. 2. 'Ihis prevents the superimposed boxes from sliding ofi the boxes on which they are superimposed. I

In the embodiment of my invention'shown `in Fig. 4, the sides and bottom of the box are formed of woven corrugated wires I5, the vertical `strands of which are arranged between the, ange's'of the channel-shaped rim IE and welded thereto as indicated at I'I. Other than the wallsan'd bottom being formed of corrugated woven' wire the struct-ure is the same as that of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

Stacking boxes or trays embodying my invention are well adapted for use in offices, factories, stores, and other relations where a light, strong structure is desired, particularly where it is desired to stack the trays or boxes and also vto nest them.

I have illustrated and described the invention in practical embodiments thereof. I have not attempted to illustrate or describe other embodiments or adaptations as it is believed that this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my invention as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A stacking and nesting box or tray comprising wall slats of generally vertically extending wires disposed in laterally spaced relation and having straight upper ends, the lower ends of opposed pairs of slats being integrally connected by bottom wires disposed in crossed relation and welded together at their crossing points, sheet metal rim members of downwardly facing channel section having rounded web portions and disposed with their flanges embracing the upper ends of the wall slats and welded thereto, lthe inner flanges of the rim members being integrally connected at the corners of the box, the ends of one pair of opposed rim members and the rounded web portions thereof constituting pintle bearings, and stacking bails provided with arms having inturned pintles engaged in said bearings, the end slats in said opposed rim members terminating below said bearings, the ends of interior slats in said opposed rim members extending into said rounded portions and constituting stops for the inner ends of said pintles.

2. A stacking and nesting box or tray comprising wall slats of generally vertically extendingY wires disposed in laterally spaced relation, the lower endsof, opposed pairs of slats beingintegrally connected by bottom wires disposed in crossed relation, sheet metal rim members of downwardly facing channel rounded web portions and disposed with their flanges embracing the upper ends of -thel wall slats `and welded thereto, the` inner flanges yof the rim members being integrally connectedat the corners of the box, the ends of one pair ofV opposed rim members and the'rounded webpor#v tions thereof constituting pintle bearings,l and stacking balls provided with arms having inturndpintles engagedin said bearings, the end slats` said. opposed' rim members terminating below saidbearingsthe ends of interior slatsin said opposed' rimI vmembers extendingA into said rounded, portions and constituting stops for the inner ends of said pintles.

3.,Abox,or tray comprising side and end wall slats` 'o'fr wire disposed in spaced relation and having straight upper ends, the lower Yends` of 'opposedpairs of slats 'being integrally connected by vbottom members disposed in crossed relation 'and welded together at" their lcrossing points, sheet metal. rim members ofk downwardly facing channel' section 'disposed with their4 `flanges embracing the upper portions of' the wall slats and;

welded"thereto,A the folded `portion of the ends of opposed rim members deningpintle bearings 'abovethe 'ends 'ofthe end 'slats secured inrsaid opposed rim members, the inner flanges of the section having 4 rim members being integrally connected atthe corners kof the box, and stacking hails provided with arms having inturned pintles engaged in said bearings.

1. A stacking box or tray comprising wall slats of wire disposed in spaced relation and having generally straight unfolded upper ends, sheet .metalerim members ofY downwardly facing chan- Vof thebox or tray.

FRED J. ULLRICH.

REFERENCES .'-GI'IED TheV following` references are of' record in. the file of'this patent: k

UNITED' `STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 893;'786 Collisfet'al. July 21,1908 933,5'1-'7 Worcester Sept. 7,] 1909 .1,409,336v Fahlman Mar'. 14, 1922V 1,445,259 Wise'logel Feb; 13, 1923 1,689,217 White Oct. 30, 1928 1,950,921' Gray etal; Mar. lf3, 1934 2,105,11'9`-v Best'et-all Jan; 1'1, 1938 2,438,030 Bitney Mar. 16, 1948 2,5022781 Erickson Apr. 4, 1'950 

